Milly Alcock delivers a brilliant performance as Kara Zor-El in Supergirl, but the film ultimately feels like a bad karaoke version of Guardians of the Galaxy, according to critics. Directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Ana Nogueira, the movie is set in the nascent DC Universe and follows Supergirl as she reluctantly joins forces with a young girl seeking vengeance.
Plot and Performance
The film opens with Kara and her dog Krypto celebrating her 23rd birthday with a galaxy-wide bender. Her party is interrupted by Ruthye Marye Knoll, who wants revenge against Krem of the Yellow Hills and his alien crew. When Krem poisons Krypto, Kara is forced into action. Alcock is praised for capturing Kara's fierce, funny, and pathos-filled personality, similar to David Corenswet's portrayal of Superman.
Visual and Tonal Issues
Despite Alcock's strong performance, the film is marred by ugly cinematography, with dark sets, poor blocking, and frantic editing that make action scenes look like a confusing blur. The needle drops feel arbitrary, lacking the emotional connection found in Guardians of the Galaxy. The villain Krem is described as forgettable and unconvincing as a threat.
Controversial Plot Point
The most criticized element is the revelation that Krem is a child sex trafficker. Critics call this a baffling and ill-conceived plot point for a family superhero movie, as it is introduced and then almost immediately abandoned without any meaningful exploration. This tonal inconsistency undermines the film's fun and irreverent vibe.
Verdict
While Alcock shines, Supergirl falls short of its potential, earning a verdict of "Sup-eh-girl" from critics. The film is released on June 26, 2026, with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes and a 12A rating.
